Rolex Introduces The GMT-Master II Black And Gray In Stainless Steel
Last year, Rolex released a string of hits. Among the biggest were the yellow gold and Rolesor versions of the GMT-Master II with a black and gray bezel. The combination of colors and the Jubilee bracelets made for a duo of GMT-Master IIs that quickly won people over. But this year, the duo has become a trio. With the release of the stainless steel version, Rolex adds a GMT-Master II to the lineup, which will surely be an even bigger hit.
One of the most-heard predictions for this year was that Rolex would release a stainless steel version of the black/gray-bezel GMT-Master II. The people were right. Is The Crown getting predictable? I have no problems with predictability if the releases look this good. The new stainless steel GMT-Master II ref. 126710GRNR completes the trio in style. Could this be the best out of all three of them?
The story of the GMT-Master II with black and gray bezels
Last year, Robert-Jan explained perfectly what made the full-yellow-gold GMT-Master II ref. 126718GRNR and the Rolesor (bicolor) GMT-Master II ref. 126713GRNR such big hits. Both models brought back some of that vintage charm that many modern Rolexes have lost since the Cerachrom bezels took over in 2005. Consequently, the newer Rolex models are brilliant timepieces, but quite a few lack the charm that many Rolex fans love.
Last year’s releases showed that a modern GMT-Master II can still have that charm. The combination of a black and gray bezel with a full-gold or steel and gold GMT-Master II on a Jubilee bracelet brought back some of the glory of the brilliant GMT-Master II refs. 16718 and 16713.
This year, Rolex completes a trio of black and gray GMT-Master IIs with this new stainless steel version. However, the new release does not just link to last year’s introductions. Most notably, we get a little pop of color thanks to the green GMT hand and the green “GMT-Master II” text on the dial. It links this new release visually to the discontinued GMT-Master II ref. 116710LN. It was the first steel GMT-Master II with a Cerachrom bezel insert that came out in 2007. As a result, this new model gently taps into multiple points in GMT-Master history, and it has all the signs of becoming another hit for the Geneva brand.
The Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 126710GRNR
The new Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 126710GRNR comes with the familiar 40mm stainless steel case that is 12mm thick, 48mm long, and 20mm between the lugs. This stainless steel case is combined with a stainless steel bezel with a Cerachrom insert split into black and gray. Inside the case, you will find the Rolex in-house caliber 3285. The chronometer-rated automatic caliber is a flyer-style GMT that operates at 28,800vph and offers a 70-hour power reserve.
You can finish the attractive looks of this new GMT-Master II ref. 126710GRNR with either an Oyster bracelet for €11,100 or a Jubilee bracelet for €11,350. There is a distinct difference between the two. Choose it on the Jubilee bracelet, and you turn up the vintage vibes that made last year’s releases so great. Pick it on an Oyster bracelet, and it immediately reminds me of the 116710LN from 2007. You can’t go wrong either way, although I must say that I’m all for cranking up the vintage vibes.
Final thoughts on the new Rolex GMT-Master II introductions
Some people were hoping for a right-handed “Sprite” this year, and some even hoped for a return of the GMT-Master II with the red and black “Coke” bezel. While it seems only a matter of time before the latter returns, 2024 was not the year for that. It might happen in 2025 when Rolex celebrates the 70th anniversary of the GMT-Master. Instead, we get a brilliant new stainless steel GMT-Master II introduction that will be hugely popular.
The new release will surely have Rolex fans trying to get their hands on one immediately. As a big fan of the Rolex GMT-Master, I am impressed to see Rolex’s follow-up to last year’s GMT-Master II duo, making it into an even better trio. It proves that Rolex is doing great things with its iconic travel watch.
For more on the new GMT-Master II, visit the official Rolex site. In the comments section, tell us which is your favorite version of the GMT-Master II Black and Gray models.
